"Amen on the finger board!! Here is another idea as far as the hold downs, nothing more than 2 eye bolts and a small piece of round steel bar. I did this to compensate for another…"
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Major problem with the action on my first build
Started this discussion. Last reply by Kevin O'Connor Aug 13, 2012. 17 Replies 2 Likes
Hey there - I'm having a major problem that is rendering my first CBG unplayable. I finally got the box glued to the neck, the tuners installed, and all the finishing touches done, and I went to…Continue
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Jason replied to Jenna's discussion Major problem with the action on my first build"I just want to echo what others have said: you are not alone here. My first build had the same issue with the action. In fact, I was thrilled with the way it looked but it was almost useless as an instrument. It is now disassembled on the work table…"
Nobby 1974 replied to Jenna's discussion Major problem with the action on my first build"you had the same thought as me diglydog - it looks like all three are wound strings.
Jenna, are you using the Low E, A and D strings from the pack? If you are, try switching to the 5th, 4th and 3rd (A, D and G strings) then tune the A down to G and…"
Dean Johnson replied to Jenna's discussion Major problem with the action on my first build"Try adding a fretboard! It will close the gap and stop the bowing. You don't have to put frets on it, But they aren't that hard to do."
Diglydog replied to Jenna's discussion Major problem with the action on my first build"Looking at the photo, are all the strings wound (i.e. the bottom 3 from a set) or is one plain. It's difficult to tell."
Dan Sleep replied to Jenna's discussion Major problem with the action on my first build"A simple fingerboard could be as easy as a yardstick, or you could get a 1/4 inch thick piece of oak or poplar from your local home improvement store. They are normally about 1.5 inches wide, so you may have to trim it to size.
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Jenna replied to Jenna's discussion Major problem with the action on my first build"Thank you do much everyone, that was immensely helpful! I had thought of string trees but I didnt know what they were called, so I'll have to try that. I chose those strings gauges because a few different places said they would be good gauges…"
Dan Sleep replied to Jenna's discussion Major problem with the action on my first build"Ditto on adding a fingerboard. I would make sure you have a perfectly straight workbench to clamp the neck to. Then glue on a fingerboard, making sure the whole assembly is as straight as you can get it.
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wormil replied to Jenna's discussion Major problem with the action on my first build"Your neck looks to be fairly thin, 1/2-5/8", and I'm guessing there is no truss rod. The headstock also isn't low enough relative to the fingerboard. I will echo the recommendations to scrape the finish off your fingerboard and glue…"
Clock The Wolf & Negative Bunny replied to Jenna's discussion Major problem with the action on my first build"There is also this:
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Clock The Wolf & Negative Bunny replied to Jenna's discussion Major problem with the action on my first build"Is the neck bolted to the lid of the box? This can decrease bowing..."
Clock The Wolf & Negative Bunny liked Jenna's discussion Major problem with the action on my first buildClock The Wolf & Negative Bunny replied to Jenna's discussion Major problem with the action on my first build"There's nothing wrong with the string gauges. This is standard for a low open G. I use .45 .35 .26 tuned BDG. What's the scale length? Perhaps if you have a longer than average scale length you can down-tune? FCF/EBE?"
David "Dr. Dave" Davies replied to Jenna's discussion Major problem with the action on my first build"I think some form of string tree would do the trick. I have used eye hooks before, but lately I have been using 1" machine screws. The eye hook method should work for you based on your pictures. I generally use .044, .034, and…"
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Comment Wall (3 comments)
- At 6:10am on July 21, 2012,
Dave Lynas said… Hi Jenna, I sure got a lot out of Mike's book. I especially found his illustrated wiring diagrams helpful. They are very clear and I've used them all. I like the wiring aspect of the process and i've collected quite a few pickups both piezo and magnetic. I've use Mike's diagrams with the mag pickups too, but found they are different sometimes than Mikes. His are just for piezos. There are other great books on those subjects with specific diagrams for every pickup configuration imaginable. And when you get in trouble, you get all the help needed right here on Nation. This stuff is fun. .. Dave
- At 8:32pm on July 20, 2012,
Nicholas J said… Welcome to CB Nation! I'm a newbie too, working on build number 2.
- At 6:42pm on July 20, 2012, Dave Lynas said…
Hey Jenna, welcome to the Nation. I've learned a lot in this club. I'm on build #23, a lap steel guiltar. I was introduced to all this by Mike Orr's book and i started buying his fretboards. I bet half my builds sport his good work. Your first build looks good. Keep it coming. .... Dave
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